Ms. Cathie Nicholas is the owner and operator of The Nicholas Dance Studio located at 4273 Crenshaw Boulevard. An award-winning expert of the art of dance, she has performed at Carnegie Hall and taught Master Classes at Stanford and Duke Universities. Ms. Cathie also happens to be the granddaughter of Fayrad Nicholas of the iconic and legendary Black dance duo, the Nicholas Brothers.
Debuting at the Harlem Cotton Club in 1932, Fayard and Harold Nicholas (The Nicholas Brothers) caught the eye of Hollywood movie producers, appearing first in Samuel Goodwyn’s ‘Kid Million’ in 1934. The duo took off, appearing in several films during the 1930s and 40s, and opened a whole new world of creative expression to Black men and women. The brothers became famous for their ability to do a split and use only their legs to rise.
Ms. Cathie, who says she began tapping at the ripe age of 3, has also taught alongside Debbie Allen, another one of Crenshaw’s very own living legends. Ms. Cathie is proud to continue the Nicholas family legacy by keeping the world of dance wide open for Black youth with The Nicholas Dance Studio. With classes for all ages – including online classes to keep families safe during the pandemic – anyone can learn to dance from a Los Angeles native and true legend.
The Nicholas Dance Studio received funding from LISC LA’s South Los Angeles Small Business Relief Grant program, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to support them in the future.
Follow Nicholas Dance Studio on Instagram or visit www.nichlasdancestudio.com to learn more about one of Crenshaw’s most iconic businesses.
